549Recipient to take steps to preserve anonymity

549  Recipient to take steps to preserve anonymity

  If:

 (a) an individual makes a disclosure that qualifies for protection under section 547 to an entity (the recipient); and

 (b) the individual requests that the individual, or any other individual named in the request, remain anonymous;

the recipient must take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances to preserve the anonymity of individuals named in the request.

Note 1: For example, if disclosing the name of an individual is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to the health, safety or well‑being of another individual, disclosing the identity of the first‑mentioned individual may be reasonable in the circumstances.

 However, if the serious threat could be lessened without naming the individual, then disclosing the name is unlikely to be reasonable in the circumstances.

Note 2: An entity may be liable to a civil penalty if the entity discloses certain information relating to the identity of an individual who makes a disclosure that qualifies for protection (see section 550).